I know I'm going to get different opinions but hearing everyone's though processes is helpful. Here's my story. I'm trying to decide whether to sell my 300 f/4 AF-S or my 80-400. I've got a D300 and D700 and decided to stick with the D700 and sell the D300. I just picked up a used 500 f/4 VR to replace my 200-400. That covers me for the long stuff.

I've already got the 70-300 AF-S VR. I can't decide whether it makes more sense to keep the 300 f/4 or the 80-400. I'd be using these mainly for BIF and zoo shots. I've got a 1.4 TC.

I am leaning towards the 300 f/4 because it should be faster focusing even with the TC. But, I like the idea of native 80-400 and I find the quality of the lens fine (except wide open). I'd probably be forced to use the 300 f/4 with the TC all the time for BIF. But, perhaps the 80-400 isn't good enough for BIF. I actually haven't used it for that yet so I don't know.

Hmmmmm.

keep the prime. the 70-300 is a good performer and should be able to handle the range well and it's a good walk around lens.

Keep the prime.

Keep the prime. Add some TCs. It's a great lens.

Why not use the 500VR for BIF's? Nothing wrong with walking around the zoo with a 500VR either. My friend told me that he was at his local zoo and say this one guy with a 600VR and an F6 trying to get some shots of the Lions. He had the Gitzo and Wimberly all set up and everything.

If I had to choose between the 300 and 80-400, I'd go with the 300 and sell the 80-400.

Keep the prime. the 70-300vr will do as walkaround. get a 1.7tc as well for the prime.

Andy

sell both.

Sell the 80-400. It's far from the best for BIF.

keep the prime.

louis fusco wrote:
sell both.

I agree. If I had to keep one I'd keep the prime.
Both lenses are also quite likely to be updated and I'd sell them while they're still worth quite a lot.

Filipinoise wrote:
Why not use the 500VR for BIF's? Nothing wrong with walking around the zoo with a 500VR either. My friend told me that he was at his local zoo and say this one guy with a 600VR and an F6 trying to get some shots of the Lions. He had the Gitzo and Wimberly all set up and everything.

If I had to choose between the 300 and 80-400, I'd go with the 300 and sell the 80-400.

Nothing wrong with the 500 for BIFs but I also want to have something more portable. Thanks for the comments. I actually expected someone to say keep the 80-400 but not yet...